Ancient Stone Seal Unearthed in Jerusalem Offers Glimpse into Biblical Times

Israeli archaeologists have uncovered an exceptionally rare stone seal dating back to the First Temple period, providing groundbreaking insights into the literacy and cultural influences of Jerusalem 2,700 years ago.

**Paragraph 1:** In a remarkable discovery, archaeologists excavating the City of David National Park in Israel have unearthed an exquisite stone seal from the First Temple period, estimated to be around 2,700 years old. This exceptional find is hailed as one of the most significant archaeological artifacts discovered in the country's history, shedding light on the biblical era of Jerusalem.

**Paragraph 2:** The black stone seal was unearthed near the Western Wall and the City of David, a site that has yielded countless archaeological treasures over the years. Its intricate design and high artistic quality have captivated experts, who believe it to be one of the finest examples of ancient seal craftsmanship ever discovered.

Ancient Stone Seal Unearthed in Jerusalem Offers Glimpse into Biblical Times

**Paragraph 3:** The seal depicts a winged figure with an open palm, a unique and rare representation in the late First Temple period's glyphic styles. The figure is depicted in the distinctive Neo-Assyrian style, a testament to the influence of the Assyrian Empire, which conquered the region in the 7th and 8th centuries BCE.

**Paragraph 4:** On both sides of the figure, an inscription in paleo-Hebrew script spells out the name "LeYehoʼezer ben Hoshʼayahu." This name is familiar from biblical sources, particularly in the books of Chronicles and Jeremiah, where individuals with similar names are mentioned. The inscription's form fits the time period of the seal's creation.

Ancient Stone Seal Unearthed in Jerusalem Offers Glimpse into Biblical Times

**Paragraph 5:** The seal's discovery has profound implications for our understanding of literacy in ancient Jerusalem. Despite the commonly held belief that literacy was confined to society's elite, the presence of this inscribed seal suggests that reading and writing abilities were more widespread than previously thought, at least for basic commercial purposes.

**Paragraph 6:** Experts believe that the owner of the seal was an individual of high status, possibly holding a senior position in the administration of the Kingdom of Judah. This conclusion is supported by the presence of a drilled hole through the piece, indicating that it was worn on a string around the neck.

Ancient Stone Seal Unearthed in Jerusalem Offers Glimpse into Biblical Times

**Paragraph 7:** The seal's discovery has excited archaeologists and scholars alike. Dr. Filip Vukosavovic, an Assyriologist with the Israel Antiquities Authority, describes the find as "extremely rare and unusual," marking the first time such an artifact has been unearthed in Israeli or regional excavations.

**Paragraph 8:** The researchers believe that the winged figure depicted on the seal represents a protective demon, a concept prevalent in Neo-Assyrian art. The seal's owner likely chose this depiction as an insignia, perhaps to evoke the broader cultural context and identify with the Assyrian influence in the region.

Ancient Stone Seal Unearthed in Jerusalem Offers Glimpse into Biblical Times

**Paragraph 9:** Israeli Minister of Heritage Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu praised the discovery as a "spectacular and unique find" that provides "another window for us into the days of the Kingdom of Judah." He emphasized the seal's significance in demonstrating Jerusalem's centrality and international connections in ancient times.

**Paragraph 10:** The stone seal will be put on public display in Jerusalem next week as part of the City of David team's annual research conference. Visitors will have the opportunity to view this extraordinary artifact on September 4 and 5. The seal's discovery adds another layer to the rich tapestry of Jerusalem's history, offering invaluable insights into the biblical period and reinforcing its status as a cradle of civilization.